Why volunteer with us

The Sporting Memories Foundation is the world’s first charity founded to develop the use of sports reminiscence.

The Foundation works with former footballers, older sportsmen and women and older sports fans. We support and engage those living with dementia & depression & to reduce loneliness by engaging older people through recalling fond memories of watching or playing sport.

By sharing memories of sporting moments however big or small, people are instantly connected, reawakening thoughts feelings and times that would have otherwise been undiscovered all because of a passion for sport. New friendships are made between club members and carers, helping people to realise they are not alone in facing life’s challenges.

Clubs evolve and have gone on to set up walking football and new age kurling teams, promoting physical health as well as mental health, as well as reducing stigma and stereotypical views, proving people can live well with dementia.

What We Do

We are a small charity that has grown organically to establish over 100 free, weekly sporting memories clubs across the United Kingdom. Clubs are run in partnerships with organisations such local authorities, libraries, sheltered accommodation and professional sports clubs who wish to engage with those who are hard to reach in their local community. We work together across generations to establish effective solutions on how to engageolder people.

We provide the training and the resources for volunteers and for people within these organisations to run fun and friendly clubs, making sure staff and volunteers have the knowledge, understanding and skills to deliver meaningful sessions that will benefit participants. So far we have worked with over 400 organisations and trained over 500 people.

FC United of Manchester and Altrincham team up for Sporting Memories
The National League North match between FC United of Manchester (FCUM) and Altrincham has been designated a Sporting Memories ‘#MemoriesMatch’ at Broadhurst Park on Saturday (February 9).

Most read

Steve Elliott celebrated his 60th birthday in September. A former professional footballer, Steve started his career at Nottingham Forest after signing apprentice forms with Brian Clough and later signed professional forms at the age of 18.

On the anniversary of Alan Shearer's groundbreaking BBC One documentary exploring the possible links between football and dementia, we look back on the progress made and launch a new campaign to support former players.

We work in partnership with organisations and community venues, including sports clubs, community hubs, sheltered housing, care homes and hospitals to run both Sporting Memories Clubs and one-to-one activities.

By sharing memories of sporting moments however big or small, people are instantly connected, reawakening thoughts feelings and times that would have otherwise been undiscovered all because of a passion for sport.

Sporting Memories Network has developed a compelling, dynamic and innovative approach to tackling the challenges of an ageing society. Our training, resources and project support are designed in partnership with our service users, carers and volunteers.

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The Sporting Memories Foundation is a registered charity in England and Wales (Charity Number 1154474) The Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland is a registered charity in Scotland (SC047268)Sporting Memories Network CIC is a Community Interest Company registered in England (07811301)Sporting Memories Network Scotland CIC is a Community Interest Company registered in Scotland (SC409470)